Watch The Midwife

The Midwife (2017) is a compelling French drama directed and written by Martin Provost. The film centers on an unexpected reunion between two women, Claire and Béatrice, who were once close friends but have led incredibly different lives since their last encounter more than three decades ago. The main character, Claire, is a dedicated midwife in her early sixties, who lives alone in a modest flat in the outskirts of Paris. Her life is well-structured and predictable - she delivers babies, cares for her patients, and spends her evenings reading poetry. However, her quiet and familiar routine is disrupted when she receives an unexpected phone call from her father's former mistress, Béatrice.

Béatrice, portrayed by Catherine Deneuve, is an alluring and eccentric woman who used to be a successful and adventurous nature photographer. She is known for her reckless and egotistic behavior, her love of men, and her fondness for alcohol and drugs. When Claire answers Béatrice's call, she is initially hesitant to speak with her old friend, as she remembers the hurt and disappointment that Béatrice caused her when she abandoned her father.

Despite Claire's reluctance, Béatrice shows up uninvited at her doorstep, revealing that she is terminally ill and is seeking Claire's help to make amends before she passes away. She wants to reconnect with her son, fathered by Claire's father, who has cut all ties with her, and she needs Claire's assistance in finding him. The two women form an unlikely bond, and Claire reluctantly agrees to help Béatrice.

As they begin their quest to locate Béatrice's son, they embark on a journey of self-discovery that forces them to confront their regrets, fears, and unresolved conflicts. Through their conversations and shared experiences, they come to terms with their past mistakes, forgive each other, and discover the possibility of a renewed and meaningful connection.

The performances in The Midwife are outstanding, particularly those of Catherine Deneuve and Catherine Frot. Deneuve delivers a charming and rebellious portrayal of Béatrice, a woman who is trying to reconcile her reckless past with her impending mortality. Frot perfectly captures Claire's reserved and pragmatic nature, which contrasts with Béatrice's flamboyance and spontaneity.

The cinematography is also notable, with images that capture the beauty of Paris and the surrounding countryside. Martin Provost expertly uses visual metaphors to complement the narrative, such as the shots of a swan that appears throughout the film, representing the fragility and grace of life.

Overall, The Midwife is a moving and poignant film that deals with themes of mortality, regret, and forgiveness. It explores the complexity of human relationships and the possibility of redemption. The remarkable performances, stunning cinematography, and thoughtful narrative make this a must-see film for fans of French cinema.

The Midwife is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 66.